Novo Studio Architects and energy consultants EEI presented a focused plan for renovating Valley High School, telling the RSU 40/MSAD 40 school board the work will prioritize health, safety and essential instructional spaces while keeping costs aligned with local taxpayers.

"Our intention through this process is to understand how the building functions from a physical standpoint," said Anne Keterer, owner and founder of Novo Studio Architects, who led an existing-conditions and space-optimization study. Keterer said the team met with every high-school department head, counselors and principals to catalog existing space, identify dysfunctional or missing areas and produce design options.

The architects identified several immediate priorities: removal of hazardous flooring containing asbestos and mastic; renovation of student restrooms that are outdated, non‑accessible and difficult to supervise; replacement or reconfiguration of locker rooms built to 1960s standards; and modernization of science laboratories. Keterer said consolidating the special-education program into a centralized resource suite would reduce travel across the long building and improve service to students.

Keterer also described security and accessibility changes, including creating a secure entry sequence with a buzzer and visitor sign-in so guests do not move freely through the building. "Right now, you have a sequence that is not considered secure by most school standards," she said.

Carrie Warren of Energy Efficiency Investments (EEI) described the project’s funding timeline and cost-estimating process. She said Novo and EEI will develop one to three budget options and financing scenarios. The district applied to the Maine School Revolving Renovation Fund this year; presenters said the fund is smaller than in past years (about $15 million statewide versus $25–$28 million previously), creating a competitive environment for roughly 85–95 applications and a $2 million maximum per application.

Warren said the revolving program can forgive a percentage of a project (up to $2 million) and that remaining balances can be repaid at 0% over five years; the presenters plan to confirm awards in January or early February, then return with detailed budgets to the facilities committee in mid‑January and to the full board on Feb. 5.

Board members asked about town-meeting timelines and community engagement. Tom (board member) said the earlier the board has numbers, the easier it will be to present at town meetings. Presenters said community vetting is a priority and emphasized transparency: the team will bring numbers and clear explanations to the facilities committee and the full board before any referendum.

During public comment, Julie Swindler of Warren urged unified board leadership and transparency in presenting the project to voters. "When a plan reaches the public and a dollar amount is placed on the referendum, it should be one the board stands behind fully, not just in words, but also in action," she said.

Next steps: Novo/EEI will finalize cost estimates and return with budget options and an assessment of impacts to the district budget at the facilities committee meeting in mid‑January and the full board on Feb. 5.